Something Old... Something New

In an effort to get another game posted on TpT I decided to search my files to see if there were any old games I had created that I could "JAZZ" up and make new.  I found this oldie but goodie, added some new graphics, and voila!... a game to share.  This is also my first paid product on TpT.  I will say it is a great way to practice fact fluency with the kiddies. Please click on the image below to visit my TpT store and enjoy Farm Facts!

Where in the world has Cristin been?

Hello again friends,
         It's me Cristin!  Boy has it been a while! Let me explain my absence. The past two months have been a whirlwind to say the least.  Oh yes, school began!  I am so happy to say I have a wonderful class of adorable first graders.  Each new year brings it's ups and downs. Presenting challenges of learning new resources, curriculum maps, and lesson plan templates.  My goal this year is to face these challenges head on.  I'm looking forward to a successful school year.
        On a personal note, my fiance and I successfully moved into a new home.   This is Chris' childhood home so it's been amazing to see him in his element re-living some childhood memories. It also happens to be in the most adorable beach town.  It's quiet right now as the Fall takes over the Summer crowd, but quiet is nice.
         Wedding season is also well underway, however I feel as if every season is wedding season for us!    I'm so happy to be witnessing many of my beautiful friends on their road to marriage.  As we celebrate other couples in the coming months, our wedding plans are well underway.  Just another reason why I've been lacking in posts and product sharing.
          My plate seems to constantly be full, but I am a teacher, that's how my plate will always be.  That being said, I'm jumping back into the blogging world full force.  I'm so excited to attend the BrainPop luncheon this Sunday.  I can't wait to meet fellow educational bloggers and  learn more about this awesome world of blogging that I've been eager to learn about!

Math Monday

Math is one of my favorite subjects to teach.  I find that a simple game can reinforce skills, introduce new topics, and allow for student collaboration.  I love beginning and ending my math lesson with games.
Visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store to download a Freebie Mini-lesson and Game that cover Common Core Standard 1.OA.6

Elementary Chatter on TpT

The Sunday News: Legos and Education

Lego Female Scientist Set

     
I have to thank Chris for finding this article.  It really got me thinking about the Next Generation Science Standards.  Chris' love for reading often benefits me, as he is like my own personal research team.  He often finds great articles about the changes in education.  His marketing background brought him to finding this article about the new  LEGO female scientist set.  Have a look!

After reading this article I became more interested in the Next Generation Science Standards.  The video below is just an Overview of the standards.  

 "In today's technologically advancing world, we are living at the speed of science."  -NGSS

I'd say this quote is accurate.  It's really amazing that our children's toys are even changing with today's advances in education!
 

After exploring the Next Generation Science website, I can say I'm even more inclined to step back as an educator and let my learners explore.   It's exciting to take risks, get a little messy, and let the children lead through their questioning and exploration.
   

Thoughtful Thursday

Tell me and I forget.  Teach me and I remember.

 Involve me and I learn.

-Benjamin Franklin

How will you engage your students in learning?

One of my goals for the upcoming school year is to develop questions as a part of my instruction that actively involves my young learners.  The article below provides a few good resources that I'm diving into in order to help me reach this goal.  

Beyond the Penguins and Polar Bears

Blue Skies,

Miss Campo

Reminiscing

The days of Summer are slowly winding down.  The commercials are telling us to get excited, it's BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!  Each year I find myself reflecting on what I did the year before.  This leads to new ideas and exciting changes.  Today, I spent some time looking at pictures of my classroom and deciding what I would keep and what I would change.  Here are a few pictures of my classroom from last year.  Visit my TpT Store to download a free copy the "Rock Star Behavior Board" and "The Management Team".  I was really into chevron last year!  Can you tell?

This was the first chart of the year.  The kids loved coming in and finding their names.  They also loved that they were known as ROCK STARS!

 Here is a picture of my behavior management system.  I'm a huge advocate for Positive Behavior Management.  I love to pick out the positive and reward students for good decision making.  My first vice principal always said.... "It takes three positive remarks to undo a negative remark."  Let's just fill them with positive so we don't have to keep count!

The management system was even Rock Star themed.  I put each child's name on a star and jobs were given weekly.  I'm planning on changing this for the upcoming school year but I figured I'd share the idea. 

Blue Skies!

Miss Campo

 

The Sunday News

Check out this great article from last September posted on the website "Edudemic".  

The 70 Best Apps for Teachers and Students

Two of my favorites include Reading Raven and Comic Life.  I'm hoping a new article is posted this September with new and exciting technology resources.  Happy Sunday!